RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim prediction 16.12.2023

• Competition: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, 16th December 2023
• Kickoff: 17:30 UTC / 18:30 CET
• Venue: Red Bull Arena (Leipzig)

RB Salzburg quickly rose to prominence as one of Germany’s top teams, an unsurprising feat considering the substantial investment made by the team’s owners. Last season saw them securing the German Cup and a third-place finish in Bundesliga, missing the title by a mere five points. This season, they’re performing well and currently stand 4th in the league with 29 points, having played 14 rounds. They are seven points behind the leading team, but Bayer Leverkusen had an exceptionally strong start to the season. Additionally, Rose’s team has made it to the Champions League’s knockout stage after finishing second in their group, which included Manchester City, Young Boys, and Crvena Zvezda.

Hoffenheim experienced one of their most challenging seasons in the Bundesliga since they joined in 2008/09 last season. They ended up 11th, a mere three points from the relegation play-out. However, this season has seen a significant improvement for the Blues. Despite a poor performance for a month and a half causing a slight dip in their standings, they had an outstanding start. Currently, they hold the 6th position with 23 points, just six points behind their next opponents, RB Leipzig.

RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim pick: RB Leipzig to win and cover the -1 AH spread

RB Leipzig is displaying impressive form, having secured victories in three consecutive games against strong opponents. Their home game performance is even more commendable, boasting five wins and netting 16 goals, averaging 3.2 per match. So far, out of seven home games in the Bundesliga, they have triumphed in five, with a margin of at least two goals in four of these victories. Additionally, with a record of only five goals conceded at Red Bull Arena, RB Leipzig holds the distinction of being the league’s strongest defensive team at home.

During November and the beginning of December, Hoffenheim experienced a difficult phase, securing only two points from five matches. However, they managed to halt their losing streak with a narrow 3:1 home victory over Bochum. Although the Blues have demonstrated exceptional performance in away games this season, their recent outings have been disappointing, with the team unable to claim a victory in their last three road games.

Furthermore, Hoffenheim are grappling with significant injury issues, particularly in their offensive line-up, making it a tough challenge for them to score against one of the league’s top defensive teams.

RB Leipzig has consistently shown dominance over Hoffenheim in their previous head-to-head matches, with victories in the last four games. Taking into account these games, the advantage of playing on their home field, and Hoffenheim’s weak performance on the road, it is anticipated that RB Leipzig will secure a sixth consecutive home victory.